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Ames Today
By the People, for the People
Iowa State Honors Pollards' Leadership with Endowed Athletics Director Role
A $5 million gift establishes the Jamie and Ellen Pollard Endowed Director of Athletics position.
Published on Feb. 13, 2026
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Iowa State University has announced the establishment of the Jamie and Ellen Pollard Endowed Director of Athletics, made possible through a $5 million commitment from an anonymous alumni couple. The permanently endowed leadership position honors the Pollards' exceptional service, vision and enduring impact on Cyclone Athletics over the past two decades.
Why it matters
The endowed position will help continue to shape the Iowa State student-athlete experience and advance the department's highest priorities for ongoing achievement. It recognizes the Pollards' transformative leadership in elevating Cyclone Athletics to unprecedented success and their commitment to student-athletes' academic, competitive and personal development.
The details
As Iowa State's longest-tenured AD, Jamie Pollard has spent two decades building Cyclone Athletics into a model program through his vision and unwavering commitment to student‑athletes. The anonymous alumni couple established the endowed fund to honor and perpetuate the values Pollard has embodied: visionary leadership and an unwavering pursuit of academic and competitive excellence.
- Jamie Pollard has served as Iowa State's Director of Athletics since 2005.
The players
Jamie Pollard
Iowa State's Director of Athletics since 2005, recognized nationally as a two-time Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) Athletics Director of the Year and a three-time Sports Business Journal AD of the Year finalist.
Ellen Pollard
Jamie Pollard's wife, who has volunteered with Blank Children's Hospital and as a hospice patient volunteer in Iowa.
David Spalding
Interim president of Iowa State University.
David Cook
Iowa State University's 17th president, starting on March 1.
Anonymous alumni couple
Donors who established the $5 million endowed fund to honor the Pollards' leadership and values.
What they’re saying
“As Iowa State's longest-tenured AD, Jamie has spent two decades building Cyclone Athletics into a model program through his vision and unwavering commitment to student‑athletes. His leadership has elevated the department to unprecedented success, proving how a thriving athletics program can uplift an entire campus community and drive a region's economic vitality. He and Ellen have also enriched the Ames community through their service. This is a well-deserved honor, and I'm grateful for the alumni couple's extraordinary generosity that made the named position possible.”
— David Spalding, Interim president of Iowa State University (Mirage News)
“We are so fortunate to have a respected, seasoned leader like Jamie guiding our Cyclone programs during this transformational time for collegiate athletics. With this solid foundation, supported by the generosity of this alumni couple, I look forward to working closely with Jamie to accelerate our fundraising efforts and ensure a bright future for our student-athletes and Cyclone Nation.”
— David Cook, Iowa State University's 17th president (Mirage News)
“Under Jamie's guidance, the athletics department has expanded opportunities for student-athletes and fostered a culture defined by character, resilience and high performance. By making this a permanent endowed fund, we sincerely hope to inspire future athletic directors to lead with courage, clarity and purpose - always placing student-athletes at the center of the mission and advancing the institution with the same passion and integrity demonstrated by Jamie and Ellen.”
— Anonymous donors, Iowa State graduates (Mirage News)
“Ellen and I are deeply humbled by this extraordinary and unexpected honor. We are also excited for what this gift means for the future of Cyclone Athletics. This endowed position is a profound investment in our student‑athletes, whose dedication and character define who we are as a department. With the support of this generous alumni couple and Cyclone fan base, we are confident the athletics department will continue to remain an environment where young people are empowered to excel academically, compete fiercely and grow into leaders who will shape their communities and professions.”
— Jamie Pollard (Mirage News)
What’s next
The Jamie and Ellen Pollard Endowed Director of Athletics named position will carry the title of Endowed Cyclone Director of Athletics while Pollard continues to serve as the director of athletics.
The takeaway
This endowed leadership position recognizes the Pollards' transformative impact on Cyclone Athletics and their commitment to student-athletes' success. It ensures their values of visionary leadership, academic and competitive excellence, and holistic development will continue to shape the department's future.
